Despite recently announcing her cancer-free status, tennis legend Martina Navratilova suffered both physical and psychological side effects from her battle with the disease.
Navratilova, 66, provided an update on her health after receiving a diagnosis of throat and breast cancer at the end of last year during an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Monday. She was joined in the interview by her wife, Real Housewives of Miami star Julia Lemigova.
So, she said, “I was diagnosed early December, and I just recently got the all-clear, so it really has been seven months of hell, emotionally and physically.”.
While Navratilova’s cancer was largely curable, she added that the actual protons radiation therapy treatment was “horrific.”.
” .
She told the outlet, “Radiation and chemotherapy really beat me up.”. Physically, it was brutal. Whatever happens, it’s still hanging over your shoulder.
It is something you cannot avoid.
I was definitely rendered powerless, but at least I have some control over my attitude. But with that, Julia really had no control. She began to feel a lot of fear. We were both very frightened. ”.
'Seven months of hell, emotionally and physically.'
Martina Navratilova describes her relief after getting the 'all clear' from cancer in June. pic.twitter.com/X1T6PDOy5u
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) July 17, 2023
However, she claimed that Lemigova, who was filming RHOM at the time but “would come in and out” to be with her, had her back. “And of course, [friend and former tennis player] Chris Evert and I had essentially experienced the same thing and were supporting one another. “(In 2021, Evert received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. ).
Navratilova also mentioned losing about 25 pounds. during the adversity. “It’s been challenging, but, knock on wood, I’m cancer-free now. “.
In the interview, Lemigova stated that the experience altered the way she views the world. “With a tragedy like this, life gives you new perspective. Don’t take life for granted and cherish each and every second. That’s what we currently do with Martina. We give thanks and appreciate life every day and view it very differently.
”.
Navratilova tweeted last month to express her appreciation for “all the doctors, nurses, proton and radiation magicians, etc. “after a day filled with tests at Sloan Kettering,” the nine-time Wimbledon champion wrote.
She wrote, “What a relief,” along with the hashtags “byebyecancer:) and yes, f—cancer!!!” in her post.
When asked about her initial diagnosis, Navratilova admitted that despite being informed that her cancer was “very” treatable, she was initially in a panic for three days and worried she might not make it to Christmas. “.
Lemigova recalled being by Navratilova’s side when she received the good news in a March interview with PEOPLE. “I was by her side through the good, bad, and ugly. So, it’s no secret that I was with her when she received her cancer diagnosis. Naturally, I was with her when she shared the good news. I needed to be. We also had a celebration on that day.
Former tennis rivals Navratilova and Evert spoke about their friendship and recent cancer diagnoses in a Washington Post interview earlier this month. When Evert learned she had ovarian cancer, she recalled that Martina was one of the very first people she told. “When I called her, I felt like I was coming home. ”.
Although she was declared cancer-free in 2010, Navratilova was initially diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years prior. “It knocked me on my ass, really,” Navratilova recalled of receiving her initial diagnosis to PEOPLE. I feel like I have complete control over my life and my physical well-being, but then this happens. “.
